Ex-world champion Jacques Villeneuve is hoping to return to Formula One next season, according to his manager. The Canadian was dropped by BAR at the end of last season but is trying to land a drive with a top team next year. His manager Craig Pollock told the Sun newspaper: "I would put a lot of money on Jacques being back in 2005. "I have already had discussions with the right teams but he is only prepared to race for someone who will give him a chance of fighting for the title."

The 33-year-old won the 1997 championship with Williams and Pollock said a return to the British-based team was "an interesting prospect". Villeneuve joined BAR for their first season in Formula One in 1999 but left under cloud after refusing to drive in the Japanese Grand Prix once once it had been announced his contract was not being renewed. His best results with BAR were third places in Spain and Germany in 2001. The team are now enjoying their best-ever season after Jenson Button notched up three podiums in a row, including second place in Sunday's San Marino Grand Prix.